I have been volunteering at Brookhaven Animal Rescue League for about five years now.

BARL is a dedicated hard-working no-kill rescue center. It’s a wonderful organization that saves dogs and cats.

I’ve experienced it firsthand.  I thought BARL was just a place to find stray dogs a home. But I realized after volunteering it is so much more.

I’ve seen BARL take dogs from the Brookhaven pound to save them from euthanasia and find them good loving homes.

They have local people to foster animals at their homes. Some foster small puppies or kittens until they are big enough to adopt.

BARL will make sure all dogs and cats get their vaccines and are treated for any ailments they need. They also will get spayed and neutered.

I love seeing animals get adopted. 

It’s wonderful how our local volunteers come together to care for animals so they can give unconditional love to their new owners. Whatever BARL needs, there’s always a volunteer to help.

I have adopted two dogs from BARL. I have Ella, a border collie mix and a very sweet rescue pitbull named Dolly. I have also adopted two cats.

Coming home from work and getting the sweet and loving greeting from my rescue dogs has really fulfilled our lives. Rescue dogs are the best in my opinion.

And to think BARL has been saving dogs and cats for 40 years is amazing.      

Anna Giust of Brookhaven is a volunteer with Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.